Real world math easier to grasp

CHILDREN who have trouble with math don't benefit from repetition, rather from real world examples.

Indeed, repetition can sometimes make the problem worse, according to the German Society of Children and Youth Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy (DGKJP).

It's far better to make use of everyday items, like potatoes or fingers, to illustrate math concepts.

For example, children can learn about division by doling out potatoes to everyone at dinnertime.

The first step is to make children comfortable with the numbers one through 10 by giving them easy tasks.

It's no problem if children count on their fingers at this stage, says the DGKJP, so long as they develop a basic understanding of numbers and amounts two common problem areas for people who have difficulty with math.

These kinds of problems are often recognised too late because children develop tricks with counting or memorisation to disguise the problem.

Problems calculating areas, amounts, weights, time or money all point to math problems, reports the DGKJP. These children are often confused by concepts such as "less," "double", or "half as much", the group said.

DPA